Having recently launched its Vype electronic cigarette in the U.K., BAT Industries is poised to seize the lead in next-generation nicotine products, according to a Proactiveinvestors story quoting U.S. broker Citigroup.

Citigroup expects Vype to do well in the existing, unregulated electronic cigarette market, but it is with the next range of products that it sees BAT putting some distance between itself and its rivals.

The broker expects BAT to launch two new products with medical licenses during the next two years, and it thinks these licenses will be key since unlicensed products are likely to be banned from 2016.